London’s Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse Celebrations
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant cultural celebration falling on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. This year marks the Year of the Horse, an animal traditionally associated with energy and dynamism. While globally celebrated, including in Tibet, Vietnam, and Korea, London is set to host extensive festivities across the city, particularly in its central districts.
The heart of London’s celebrations will unfold over the weekend of 21-22 February 2026, primarily around Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, and Soho. Saturday, 21 February, will feature vibrant lion dance performances weaving through Chinatown from 11 am to 5 pm. The main event, the Chinese New Year Parade, takes place on Sunday, 22 February. Starting at 10 am from Trafalgar Square, the parade will wind through Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue before concluding in Chinatown. This grand spectacle promises Europe’s largest assembly of Chinese dragons and lions, alongside luminous floats, traditional drumming, and captivating dances.
Beyond the parade, Sunday afternoon (12 pm-6 pm) will see Chinatown bustling with lion dancing, food stalls, and Asian street food. Leicester Square will host cultural workshops and family activities, while Trafalgar Square will be a hub for diverse performances, speeches, and entertainment on a large stage. Several London venues are also offering special events and menus, including XI Home Dumplings Bay with unique lion-faced buns, Canton Blue’s upscale Lunar New Year menu, and festive lion dances at The Hippodrome’s Chop Chop. Duck & Waffle provides a high-altitude dining experience, while Dear Asia offers Year of the Horse craft workshops. Greenwich Peninsula and the National Maritime Museum will also host family-friendly celebrations with cultural activities, workshops, and traditional performances on 21 February. This comprehensive overview highlights London’s vibrant embrace of Lunar New Year, offering a diverse array of experiences from grand parades to intimate culinary delights and cultural workshops for all ages.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/things-to-do/chinese-new-year-london-lunar-new-year)
